ABCs

A few months ago knowing we were going to be in Delhi we signed up to do some volunteer work in an orphanage, this has been out 1st of 3 weeks.

We have been placed in an EVAD orphanage for disabled children 30km south of Delhi in a quite rural area. There are 30 children live in the orphanage and others visit for lessons. The disabilities range from 'slow learners' to severely mentally disabled. The children we have been teaching are mainly deaf and dumb.

Monday morning was our first day and we were taken to our classes and left to teach, to say it was overwhelming may be an understatement. With communication difficulties spanning languages (Hindi, English and Sign), along with the fact that many children could not speak or hear we felt we were quickly drowning and were a little bit lost but somehow managed to struggle through the day.

We started the 2nd day a little bit wary, but soon realized how quickly it could get easier. The children are all lovely and have taught us some basic sign language and helped us whenever they could (although I think it should be the other way round!), this has led to us being able to communicate more effectively, understand there needs and actually help them to learn from us.

The rest of the week continued to get better, we know the names and personalities of most children and they all know us, there is lots of studying and learning (both us and them) and no shortage of fun and laughs to add to their already permanent smiles.

Such a turn around from Monday has allowed us to believe we can help the kids, and are looking forward to even more progress next week.

http://www.eindiabusiness.com/evad/services.html#schooling